Drink Spiking; What you need to know

Drink spiking occurs when alcohol and/or another drug is placed in a person's drink without their knowledge.  Young women are more commonly the targets of drink spiking and the resulting harms can include sexual assault, robbery and unprotected sex.  If you think a friend may have been affected by drink spiking, do not leave them alone and seek medical attention immediately. 

There is more information available on the Drink Aware website



What are the symptoms? 

Many of these substances are quickly absorbed after being consumed, resulting in rapid onset of the effects. Symptoms to look out for include;

• Feeling dizzy or faint
• Feeling ill or sleepy
• Feeling drunk (even if you think you’ve only had a little alcohol to drink)
• Visual problems, 
• Passing out
• Waking up feeling uncomfortable and confused, with memory blanks about the night before.



How to avoid drink spiking.

Always buy your own drink and watch it being poured, don't accept drinks from strangers, never leave your drink unattended while you dance or go to the toilet, don't drink or taste anyone else's drink and dispose of your drink if you think it tastes odd.

The SU now provides ‘spikeys’ (drink covers) at the Foundry and Bar One. They have also committed to providing the security team with equipment to test drinks that are suspected to have been spiked.



What to do if you are with someone who appears to have their drink spiked.

Take care of the affected person. If they are experiencing bad effects, call Security Services on 0114 222 4444 for an ambulance immediately. Don’t delay, you could save their life.

If a sexual assault is suspected Security Services will involve Residence Life who will make a referral to the Sexual Assault Resource Centre.